Registered Nurse / Arkansas
2026 data Arkansas board official source

Arkansas Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Arkansas data shows for Registered Nurses

Arkansas's path to registered nurse licensure runs through 2,243 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Arkansas folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $75, with renewal running $50 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 3 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Maintaining the license requires 15 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, registered nurses should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
50/100
Registered Nurse · Arkansas

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,243 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$118
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B-
$40/yr
$80 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Arkansas

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,243 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$118
Renewal Fee
$80
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Arkansas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Arkansas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Arkansas? ▼
Arkansas requires 2243 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $118. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Arkansas? ▼
Certification as a registered nurse in Arkansas means clearing the state's checklist: 2243 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Arkansas licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Arkansas from another state? ▼
For registered nurses, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Arkansas licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Arkansas require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Arkansas does require a background check before issuing a registered nurse license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Arkansas? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in Arkansas must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $80.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Arkansas? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Arkansas is $75. The renewal fee is $50 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Arkansas? ▼
In Arkansas, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 3 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Arkansas, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Arkansas's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Arkansas's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Arkansas overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Arkansas licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.